The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has received a formal letter from the European Commission requesting that the country phase out its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme by 1 June 2028.
The letter, dated 25 June 2026, was signed by Commissioner Magnus Brunner and addressed to Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne. The Commission grounded its request in a revised Visa Suspension Mechanism adopted by the European Union on 31 December 2025. Under the new framework, the mere operation of a CBI programme — regardless of how well it is managed — now constitutes a self-standing ground for suspending visa-free access.
The Commission's letter offers a 24-month transition period and proposes specific interim measures, including the full exclusion of individuals subject to EU restrictive measures and reinforced vetting procedures for all nationalities. These measures are to be in place no later than September 2026. The EU has also indicated it will reflect Antigua and Barbuda's response in its Visa Suspension Mechanism Report planned for December 2026.
Prime Minister Browne has advised the public that the development does not come as a surprise. As he communicated to the nation on Saturday, 20 June 2026, the Government had advance knowledge that such letters were forthcoming and had already begun consultations at the regional level. The EU's request is not directed at Antigua and Barbuda alone — all OECS member states with active CBI programmes have received similar correspondence. Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis, and St Lucia have each received equivalent letters from the European Commission.
The Government's position is unambiguous. The CBI Programme is a critical pillar of Antigua and Barbuda's non-tax revenue base, and it cannot be abandoned without viable, concrete, and credible replacement revenues being secured. Prime Minister Browne has stated unequivocally that the programme will continue, and the Government will not be pressured into a unilateral phase-out that would cause irreparable harm to the national economy and the welfare of citizens.
The Government will engage the European Commission in principled and constructive dialogue, consistent with the spirit of the longstanding partnership under the Samoa Agreement. While the EU's expressed commitment to supporting Antigua and Barbuda's sustainable development through the Global Gateway Investment Agenda and other mechanisms is welcomed, the Government notes that none of these offers are quantified, binding, or explicitly framed as replacement revenues for the CBI income stream.
Over the years, the CBI Programme has funded hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and disaster recovery efforts. It represents essential income for a small island developing state with limited fiscal space and acute vulnerability to climate change and external economic shocks.
The Government will reiterate to the European Commission that any agreed path forward must include tangible EU assistance in generating equivalent replacement revenues to offset the economic impact of any transition. Antigua and Barbuda will exercise its sovereign right to pursue economic development strategies that serve the best interests of its people, while continuing to give full regard to the security concerns of other nations.
As an act of good faith, the Government has committed to continuing to exclude individuals subject to EU restrictive measures from the CBI Programme, reinforcing vetting procedures for all applicants, and giving full attention to any additional safeguards required to meet EU security standards.
The Government has reassured the public that it is pursuing all available diplomatic avenues — bilaterally and through the OECS and other channels — to protect Antigua and Barbuda's national interests. Further updates will be provided as discussions with the European Commission progress.
